Prayer service on the Sunday within the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

For the third year, St. Adalbert’s R.C. Parish and Holy Name of Jesus PNC Parish joined together on the Sunday within the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity to jointly offer our petitions and prayers for Christian unity. Fr. Carl Urban of St. Adalbert’s and Fr. Stanley Bilinski Jr. of Holy Name jointly planned the service. They invited His Grace, the Most Rev. Howard Hubbard, Bishop of the R.C. Diocese of Albany to join in prayer and to be the guest homilist.

The theme of this year’s service was: “You are witnesses of these things.” (Luke 24:48). The Gospel reading was Luke 24. This year’s service fell on the centenary of the Edinburgh Mission Conference which began the Ecumenical movement. Fr. Bilinski and Fr. Urban offered prayer during the service using the texts adapted and published for use in the United States by the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute. Deacon James Konicki offered the Gospel, and Mr. Lawrence E. Panfil and Mrs. Claudia C. Bertasso, the Chairman and Treasurer of Holy Name Parish, offered the petitions. Music was offered by Holy Name organist and choir director Liz Battaglia.

Bishop Hubbard’s well elucidated talk focused on the centrality of prayer and local action as the starting points for ecumenism. He noted that unity will not be achieved by a forced unanimity in prayer and organization, but by a mutual sharing of the gifts, liturgical life, and organizational structures found in the Churches.

Following the service, Fr. Bilinski led the congregation in the Exposition and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament according to the Rites of the Polish National Catholic Church. Bishop Hubbard offered a blessing.

A festive repast was held in the Parish hall following the service where a large selection of delicacies, pastries, and drinks was served. As Fr. Bilinski noted, this event has now become part of our shared experience and something that stands along major events in our yearly calendar. We look forward to joining with the congregation of St. Adalbert’s at their Parish in 2011.

More photos are available in our Parish Photo Gallery.

“Souper Bowl” Sunday, February 7th

“Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat” — Souper Bowl of Caring founding prayer.

Even though this has become a “national” holiday in our American tradition, it has also become a kind of tradition in our parish as well. Our youth asks us to participate in this important way again this year: to consider a donation for the “Souper Bowl”.

This is a national effort wherein funds are collected and given to local agencies to help in some type of relief. A “soup pot” will be available this Sunday for your loose change, folding money, or even canned goods.

Thanks in advance for your consideration and help!

National United Choirs Music Scholarships and Choir Sunday

Our National United Choirs (NUC) is asking every choir throughout our church to sing a common hymn next Sunday, January 31st, on its annual observance of its ministry to our Church. The National United Choirs is one of the oldest organizations we have in our history.

The Music Scholarship program has at its core a ministry to the musicians studying in all disciplines. There is a scholarship and category for instrumental, vocal, conducting, and study of sacred music. If anyone of our congregation is eligible to apply for a scholarship, please see Father Stan for an application. He can also fill you in on the details of the application and its process.

The Scholarship program was begun in 1967 at a convention in Cleveland, OH, and has been highly prolific in its years of operation. Father Stan was a two-time recipient back in the last century. We are also blessed to have a multiple-year recipient in Hannah, and singular year winners in Jenna, Melissa, and Claudia.

If you have read the articles in the church papers, you would have seen the notices to purchase the CD’s and/or tapes that were made of the concerts performed at the bi-ennial gatherings of the Choirs. And, God being kind, the long-anticipated bi-lingual hymnal will soon see the light of day.

Again, if anyone is taking lessons in any of the music disciplines and would like to apply for a scholarship this year, the application request must be mailed soon to meet its completion deadline of 1 April.

We thank our good Lord for the ministry of the Choirs, and pray that they will continue to serve our Church in the years to come.

Bible Study for the Fifth Week of Christmas

  • 1/24 – Luke 23:1-32 – How can we, as Christians, foster the option for peace rather than violence in the world around us? Prayer starter: Jesus, you were condemned in my place. May I firmly resolve to reject sin and its ways; do not hide from my eyes the things that make for peace.
  • 1/25 – Luke 23:33-56 – To what extent do my deeds match my faith in Jesus? Prayer starter: Jesus, you died for love of me. May I live always for love of you.
  • 1/26 – Luke 24:1-32 – If death cannot derail God’s plans, what reason is there to ever fear? Prayer starter: Lord of life, you make all things new through your death and resurrection, renew me and make me a new creation in you.
  • 1/27 – Luke 24:36-53 – Do I believe in and hope for this other side of life opened up by Jesus’ resurrection? Prayer starter: Lord, help me to believe that you can raise me and my loved ones from the death give me a strong hope in eternal life.
  • 1/28 – Exodus 15:1-21 – What have been the greatest deliverances and wonders for which I want to praise God? Prayer starter: There is no God like you and no deliverance like yours. Blessed are you, God of my salvation.
  • 1/29 – Deuteronomy 32:1-43 – When praying, do I allow God to challenge me? Prayer starter: You are a faithful God, O Lord, and your compassion is infinite. Keep us in your loving kindness and help us to rise up to the greatness of your call.
  • 1/30 – 1 Samuel 2:1-10 – What would be the circumstances of my life that would call for a Magnifcat to the Lord who raises the lowly? Prayer starter: Lord, you are a humble God who hears the prayer of the lowly and of the poor. Cast away any pride or arrogance in our hearts so that we may rejoice in your victory.

Do you have a Serendipity Calendar?

We have already had one winner in December! Registration for 2010 continues. Calendar numbers are available at $20 per year. Your donation supports the Parish and provides the opportunity to play along throughout the year. Consider picking up an unreserved number for an opportunity to win! Call the Parish for more information at 518-372-1992.

Rules for participation!

  1. Upon registration you will be asked to choose a three digit number. Three choices per registration will be asked for and will be granted/filled on a first-come, first served basis.
  2. Only one thousand (1000) registrations will be taken.
  3. If your chosen number matches the three-digit number (straight) for the New York State evening daily lottery, you will win the prize amount for that day.
  4. Winners’ names will be posted in the Parish Hall (1040 Pearl Street, Schenectady, NY 12303) at the end of every month.
  5. Checks will be issued at that time and mailed to winners at the addresses given upon registration.
  6. Serendipity calendar donations are not tax deductible.
  7. Proceeds from this serendipity calendar shall be used towards parochial educational programs and expenses.
  8. If less than 500 calendars are registered prior to 1/31/2010, the Holy Name of Jesus Parish reserves the right to cancel the program for the year. Registrants will be informed of any decision made and will be given the opportunity to have their registration donation returned.

Further information can be received either by mailing Holy Name of Jesus National Catholic Church – PNCC, 1040 Pearl Street, Schenectady, NY 12303, by telephone at (518) 372-1992 (Office/Fax) or via E-mail.

Bible Study for the Fourth Week of Christmas

  • 1/17 – Luke 16 – Am I a good steward of the gifts received from God? Prayer starter: Dear Lord, help me to be faithful in all the little things that you have given me to do; help me to be considered a trustworthy servant in your kingdom.
  • 1/18 – Luke 17 – How do I respond to the many blessings I have received from Jesus? Prayer starter: Lord, help me to have faith to forgive my brother and see all the reason I am like the leper who needs to come to you with gratitude for the many ways you heal me.
  • 1/19 – Luke 18 – How can my prayer conform to the simple and humble prayer of the tax collector? Prayer starter: Lord God, be merciful to me, give me the desire to pray always so that I will not become weary along the way.
  • 1/20 – Luke 19 – Do I see Jesus’ Kingdom as a gift entrusted to me and for which I must exercise good stewardship? Prayer starter: Lord, help me to seek and find you like Zaccheus; help me to be a wise steward of all that you have entrusted to me.
  • 1/21 – Luke 20 – Have I found the proper balance in giving back what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God? Prayer starter: Lord, you do teach the way of God in all truth, help me to accept your teaching and always discern what is true and lasting.
  • 1/22 – Luke 21 – Whom in my life have I judged by outward appearances and failed to look at the heart? Prayer starter: Lord, help me to give my very self to you and to those around me.
  • 1/23 – Luke 22 – How does the experience of the Eucharist make me enter into Jesus’ new covenant? Prayer starter: Lord, each time I receive you in the Eucharist you give yourself once again to me. May I respond to your love by giving myself and following you wholeheartedly.

Helping local emergency shelters

We will be collecting toiletry items (shampoos, soaps, razors, shaving creams, deoderants) for various Emergency Shelters in our area. To give not only a warm and safe place for the night, but to care for the personal hygiene is a blessing to those in need. You may bring items on Sundays and they will be distributed immediately.

Bible Study for the Third Week of Christmas

  • 1/10 – Luke 9 – How is the story of Jesus a new exodus, and new deliverance from the bondage of the slavery of sin? Prayer starter: Jesus, may we see your glory as Peter, James, and John did on the mount of Transfiguration, and may we always hearken to the voice from Heaven that challenges us always to listen to you.
  • 1/11 – Luke 10 – Is my life so full of business and distractions that I easily become anxious like Martha instead of peaceful like Mary? Prayer starter: Lord of time, give me peace that comes from listening to you rather than the anxiety that comes from listening to the noise of the world.
  • 1/12 – Luke 11 – When I pray, do I ask God as a beloved child or with the attitude of a servant or stranger begging? Prayer starter: Lord, may I always ask, seek, and knock for the grace to live the divine life you have called me to. Oh Father, give me the desire to seek the good gift above all others, that of your Holy Spirit.
  • 1/13 – Luke 12 – What do I seek most in my heart, material security or the Kingdom way of Jesus? Prayer starter: Lord, help me be rich towards you, free my heart from attachment to things I may selfishly cling to, give me a generous heart like yours.
  • 1/14 – Luke 13 – Do I look at Christ’s teaching as a burden and bondage or as a source of liberation and freedom? Prayer starter: Christ, set me free from all the things that weigh me down and burden my heart; give me an experience of your new exodus liberation.
  • 1/15 – Luke 14 – How can I focus more on Jesus’ Kingdom way of service and humility? Prayer starter: Jesus, help me to host those who cannot repay me. Help me to serve rather than seek to be served.
  • 1/16 – Luke 15 – Is my attitude towards the excluded one of mercy and inclusion? Prayer starter: Oh Good Shepherd, come and find me, save me from being lost in this confusing world and bring me home to the Father who loves me.

Bible Study for the Second Week of Christmas

  • 1/3 – Luke 4 – What does it mean for me to be a “Christian” in terms of the Holy Spirit? Prayer starter: Jesus, anointed with the Spirit, please grant me the power of your Spirit that wherever l go I may live in you.
  • 1/4 – Luke 5:1-26 – Do I let my past sins and shortcomings block my relationship with God? Prayer starter: Lord Jesus, you are calling me into a deeper relationship with you. Cast away my fears so that I may move closer to your loving heart.
  • 1/5 – Luke 5:27-39 – Do I rejoice in the presence of God in my life? Prayer starter: Lord, help me to answer your summons to follow you, and may your mercy widen my heart to have mercy for others.
  • 1/6 – Luke 6 – Am I quicker to judge or to forgive? Prayer starter: Lord of Love and Life, help me to imitate the Father’s mercy toward me by showing mercy to those around me, especially in my own family.
  • 1/7 – Luke 7:1-35 – Am I open to seeing goodness and potential friends from all races and peoples? Prayer starter: Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter my heart and life, but only say the Word and I shall be healed.
  • 1/8 – Luke 7:36-50 – Do I realize that God notes the smallest gestures of my love and gratitude? Prayer starter: God, may I love you more, because you have forgiven me so much and loved me so much. May my love for you be great.
  • 1/9 – Luke 8 – How much of a transforming encounter with Christ is my experience of the sacraments and liturgy? Prayer starter: Jesus, when I encounter you in the Eucharist may I touch you with the faith of the hemorrhaging woman, and experience your power.

Caring for God’s creation

Our Parish family came together to assist Hannah Bilinski in her Scouting project. Her work and the Parish’s generosity are on display at the Spring Farm CARES website.

Food and homemade flannel blankets were delivered to Spring Farm CARES a not-for-profit organization that goes well beyond the typical definition of a shelter or animal resure organization. They are the world’s first “public center for animal communication.”